03/05/2016
There is endless research on the benefits of children having pets at home. This experience can teach kids a range of important life lessons on responsibility, compassion, empathy, kindness, friendship, and patience (to name just a few skills and attributes !!). Whilst these lessons are learnt from interaction with animals, the key learning is also relevant to human interaction. A US study highlighted that children with animals at home are more likely to have higher self-esteem. There is even evidence showing that having a pet at home can reduce the risk of developing common allergies and asthma.
Pets have also been known to help support children who struggle with reading.
Children will find it easier reading to a curled up cat or dog than reading to an adult. Over time, reading to a pet will promote more confidence with a child's reading at home and at school.
The physical responsibility of looking after a pet is also beneficial for children and provides them with active jobs around the house. These active jobs will include jobs such as cleaning out cages, taking dogs for walks, feeding, playing etc.
Days out to see animals, for example visiting a zoo or farm, will also have many benefits for children and even babies and toddlers.
This kind of contact with animals will develop a greater understanding of compassion, responsibility, and empathy just like having a pet does. It is good for children to learn about different animals and their important role in our world. Children need to see that they relate heavily to our everyday lives. As part of this learning children will start to understand more about nature and our environment as well as other environments. Understanding animals' different habitats is important and teaches us about their different needs as well as habitats around the world.
